12D11N ITALY ~ Stunning Amalfi Coast & Captivating Puglia
Departure: open date
D01 ARRIVE ROME – AMALFI COAST
Upon arrival at Rome Airport, your driver will meet you at the arrival hall and drive you to the train station for your onward train journey to the Amalfi Coast, dotted with enchanting coastal towns including Amalfi and Positano. Enjoy the rest of the day in the Amalfi Coast at your own leisure.
D02 AMALFI COAST TOWNS [B]
Today, enjoy a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast with stops at Positano and Amalfi. The 50km long Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique landscape, natural beauty and cultural heritage and regarded by many as the Mediterranean at its finest. Positano is probably the most iconic town along the Amalfi Coast with pastel-coloured houses “cascading” down the cliffs overlooking the sea. The historic namesake town of Amalfi offers a window to the rich history of the Amalfi Coast.
D03 AMALFI COAST – MATERA [B]
Today, head to Matera, the oldest city in Italy with a history dating back more than 9,000 years and ranking among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. It is renowned for its ancient cave dwellings known as “Sassi”. Any surprise therefore that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The cave dwellings date back to the Stone Age and over time, the caves morphed into more complex and sophisticated structures, forming a labyrinthine network of homes, workplaces and churches. Matera’s historical and cultural significance and no less its unique structures have attracted filmmakers with the city serving as a backdrop for numerous movies including James Bond’s “No Time To Die” and Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” (with Matera as ancient Jerusalem!). Enjoy a guided tour in Sassi di Matera including entry to one of the cave houses. In the evening, enjoy the enchanting scene in Matera as the sun goes down and the lights and street lamps across the Sassi are turned on!
D04 MATERA – MARTINA FRANCA/ALBEROBELLO [B]
Today, head into Puglia, with a visit to Alberobello before continuing on to Martina Franca. Puglia, also known as Apulia, is a region located in the southern part of Italy forming the “heel” of the Italian peninsula and renowned for its stunning rugged coastline, historic and charming whitewashed towns, agricultural landscapes with vineyards and olive groves and of course delicious cuisine. Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its trulli houses – unique traditional Apulian limestone houses with conical roofs. Enjoy a guided tour in Alberobello including a visit to an area that best represents the ancient medieval village and seeing a trullo from the inside!
Thereafter, continue on to Martina Franca. Counting among the “white cities” of Puglia, the historic centre of Martina Franca is known for its elegant Baroque architecture characterized by ornate facades and elegant palaces and churches. The imposing Basilica di San Martino with its imposing facade and grand interior is a must-see.
(Depending on season and availability, accommodation could be at Martina Franca or Alberobello. If accommodation is at Alberobello, the visit to Martina Franca will be done the next day.)
D05 MARTINA FRANCA/ALBEROBELLO [B]
Today, visit two very charming towns in Puglia known for their whitewashed houses and picturesque historic centres – Locorotondo and Cisternino. They are often considered “sister towns” due to their proximity to each other and similar characteristics. By way of their historic architecture and cuisine, both Locorotondo and Cisternino offer visitors a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Puglia.
Locorotondo, located on a hilltop, in addition to offering panoramic views of the region from various viewpoints scattered around town, charms with its unique circular layout with houses built concentrically around the central square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. Of note about Locorotondo is that it is home to a mix of architectural styles including traditional trulli houses and elegant Baroque buildings palaces. Enjoy a guided walk in Locorotondo and be enthralled by this charming village.
Cisternino’s historic centre is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and stone staircases typical of the traditional Apulian architecture. Enjoy soaking up the authentic atmosphere of the town as you wander through the cobblestone streets admiring the well-preserved medieval buildings. Enjoy Cisternino old town at your own leisure. (Or, visit Martina Franca instead).
D06 MARTINA FRANCA/ALBEROBELLO – POLIGNANO A MARE/MONOPOLI [B]
Today, head to Polignano a Mare, a highly picturesque coastal town along the Adriatic Coast of Puglia renowned for being perched atop limestone cliffs that overlook the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, providing breathtaking panoramic views. Key attractions in Polignano a Mare include: (1) Cala Porto, the much-photographed and world-famous cove nestled between cliffs; (2) Grotto Palazzese, a charming cave restaurant carved into the cliffs with views of the sea and serving culinary delights; and, (3) the medieval Old Town (historic centre) characterized by a labyrinth of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and ancient churches. Apart from scenic delights, enjoy the shopping and culinary delights at the quaint shops, cafes and trattorias in Polignano a Mare. Enjoy Polignano a Mare old town at your own leisure today.
(Depending on season and availability, accommodation could be at Polignano a Mare or the equally picturesque nearby town of Monopoli.)
D07 POLIGNANO A MARE/MONOPOLI [B]
In the morning, join a boat tour to visit the highly scenic caves in Polignano. Thereafter, enjoy a “free & easy” afternoon at Polignano a Mare. You may also wish to take a short ride to Monopoli, a no less charming coastal town known for its picturesque harbour, beautiful beaches and historic Old Town.
D08 POLIGNANO A MARE/MONOPOLI – BARI [B]
Today, head to Bari, a major economic, cultural, and transportation hub and also the capital of Puglia. Bari’s crown jewel, the pilgrimage site of Basilica of Saint Nicholas, is a majestic Romanesque church housing the relics of Saint Nicholas, a.k.a. Santa Claus, and sits within Bari’s beautiful medieval Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets, charming squares and ancient buildings within defensive walls. Bari’s sea-front promenade, known as Lungomare, offers picturesque views of the Adriatic Sea and a leisurely stroll along the promenade is an experience not to be missed. Join a walking tour in Bari old town to appreciate the monuments and also enjoy some tastings of the local street food.
D09 BARI [B]
Enjoy the day at your own leisure be it sightseeing or shopping. For more culinary delights, there are the orecchiette pasta (a local specialty), the burrata cheese, fresh seafood and of course the staples of Puglian cuisine – the region’s olive oil and wines.
D10 BARI – ROME [B]
Today, head to Rome, the birthplace of the Roman Empire and home to the Vatican City. Steeped in history with rich offerings of historical monuments, Roman architecture and works of art, Rome ranks among the most beautiful cities in the world. Apart from that, Rome also has lots to offer in terms of food and fashion.
D11 ROME [B]
Enjoy Rome at your own leisure today.
D12 DEPART ROME [B]
Free time until your transfer to Rome Airport for your departure flight.
Price:
S$3,820 per person, for twin/triple sharing
Minimum 4pax to go
